Tracey Hodgkins, the CEO of AELC is a finalist in the prestigious 2008 Veuve Clicquot Awards. This award is held in 36 countries and is aimed at finding and recognizing the world’s most innovative and entrepreneurial women.

Established in 1972, the Award commemorates Barbe Nicole Clicquot Ponsardin, the woman who, in 1805, took up the reins of the company that bears her name.

The Australian 2008 winner will be announced in Sydney on the 18th March.

They will be presented with the Award that includes a trophy and business class tickets to France to attend the 2008 Veuve Clicquot Businesswomen’s meeting in Champagne later in the year

The winner will visit Veuve Clicquot’s famous vineyards and cellars at Reims, where a vine will be dedicated to her. She will be made a ‘Friend of the Widow’, receiving a gift of Veuve Clicquot’s prestige cuvée, La Grande Dame Champagne, every year thereafter.

Tracey's long list of prior award achievements include being named the Entrepreneurial Educator of the Year in 2003 and the WA Telstra Business Woman of the Year in 2005. As well as being the recipient of many other awards she is named and quoted for her achievements in the 'Whos Who of Australian Women'.

Needless to say, we at the AELC have our fingers crossed for Tracey and wish her the best of luck.

Tracey flew to Sydney last week to be interviewed by the Judging panel.